Fencing

Fencing 2025

Head Coach

Anthony Kestler

Immaculata High School proudly welcomes Dr. Tony Kestler — NCAA Champion, Hall of Famer, and veteran coach — as he enters his first season leading the Spartans’ fencing program. His arrival comes as Immaculata embarks on its second year competing at the NJSIAA varsity-affiliated level, marking a major step forward in the school’s commitment to building a premier high school fencing team in New Jersey.

A graduate of Columbia University and the Cleveland Clinic School of Dentistry, Coach Kestler brings an extraordinary competitive pedigree. He captured the 1969 NCAA Individual Foil Championship, earned First Team All-America honors in 1970, and secured multiple NCAA podium finishes during his standout collegiate career. His dominance began even earlier, with six consecutive Junior Olympic Foil titles, a sweep of the 1967 Metropolitan Under-19 Championships in all three weapons, and the New York City Individual Foil Championship that same year.

Coach Kestler’s success extended internationally as a member of the USA Foil Team at the World University Games. His competitive passion endured well beyond his collegiate years, culminating in a silver medal at the 2009 New Jersey Senior Olympics.

Since 2008, he has served as a key coach at the Freehold Fencing Academy, where his technical mastery, mentorship, and leadership have helped develop numerous state and nationally recognized athletes. Off the strip, Dr. Kestler has built a distinguished career as a practicing dentist in Plainfield, New Jersey. His legacy at Columbia University is honored annually through the Kestler Award, presented to a varsity fencer who exemplifies leadership and sportsmanship. His induction into the NCAA Hall of Fame further cements his status as one of the sport’s most respected figures.

Coach Kestler believes Immaculata’s fencing program is poised for rapid growth and is excited to help shape its future. “I just want to share my knowledge both on and off the fencing strip with our terrific Immaculata student-athletes,” he says. “So many wonderful people helped me along the way. I just want to pass the torch to a new generation and do my part.”

With his unparalleled experience, passion, and vision, Coach Tony Kestler steps confidently into his first season, ready to elevate Immaculata Fencing to new heights.